Wagon wheel used to haul stone to rebuild
the church after the Japanese destroyed it during the WWII

Beautiful church 

  Sagada church, cemetery and
hanging coffins

Looking off behind the church

Present-day cemetery

More of the cemetery.  We noticed garbage and
left over fire pits by most of the vaults.  Ben
explained that people only visit their ancestors' graves
once a year and have a party there.  People don't
believe the dead are there but are among the living.

Memorial to fallen Filipino soldiers during WWII

Hanging coffins

More hanging coffins

This is a shear 500 ft. cliff.  How would you like to scale this to place your dead.  Talk about dedication!  The
coffins are placed here to receive sunlight and to be protected from the elements.


We asked Ben about his community.  He told us everyone is
related.  There is hardly any crime, because to steal etc.
would bring shame not only to yourself but your parents
and grandparents.  When there is a wedding, 8,000 people
may show up, all bringing something to help feed the
crowd.  If someone does do something bad, they go through
the streets yelling what they did and asking for forgiveness.  He
said everyone gets along and helps each other.  They are a
very tight-knit community.  There is a small police station,
but it is used to assist visitors who don't have a guide.  The
policeman will hire someone as you can't go around the
community without one.  We really enjoyed this part
of the trip.  Next:  Baugio and back to civilization!